Re.: Saving the planet

Maybe all folks living in Oregon, the Nation, or the World think the same. Certainly, many of us in Southern Oregon think this is the best place in the world to live. But we are also noticing the rising temperatures that the Weather Service reports—over two degrees during the last century; we are noticing the trend of reducing snowpack, even though we’ve had a couple of decent snow years. Water shortages resulting from this trend are also troubling us. And we are aware that drought is becoming an ever-present threat while our fire season and fire risk are both increasing. 

It’s time for Oregonians to join concerned peoples across the nation and the planet in addressing the global warming that is causing these climate changes. And we need to do it before our entire way of life is compromised.

Fortunately, we can do this. The Oregon legislature is considering placing a cap on the climate pollution that is causing our problems. The proposal will reduce pollution and generate funds earmarked to provide economic assistance to rural Oregon as we transition to a clean energy economy with better paying jobs. Data show us, reducing climate pollution can help our economy.

Sincerely,

Alan Journet

Co-facilitator

Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN) 

Hey Messenger: What is better, cats or dogs?
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: DOGS.

Hey Messenger: What happened to the Twitter?
-H. R.
Dear H.R.: Short answer? People are creepy and it stresses me out. Please continue to write me at rvmessengeradvice@gmail.com!

Hey Messenger: I need help knowing what to do. I work at a warehouse type job with both men and women. In general though there are more men. There is a slightly older woman there who is always flirting with me and telling inappropriate sex jokes. She knows that I have a wife and I have never led her on. Last week she touched my arm to “feel my muscles for health reasons.” And then today she touched my butt but claimed it was an accident. Does this count as sexual harassment? What should I do?

-J

Dear J: Yes, this is sexual harassment. Imagine if this were happening with the genders swapped, and how upset people would be. It is unfortunate that it is not always looked at the same way when the perpetrator is a woman and the victim a man. You need to inform your supervisor immediately. It is recommended that you report it in writing so that it is documented, in case anything else should need to happen in the future. Any legal counsel would tell you this. Most companies have a sexual harassment policy in place, including methods to stop this kind of behavior.  However, if your employer fails to take action, or fails to be effective, the next step is reporting the situation to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In the meantime, try to limit your interactions with this woman as much as you can, although I know it can be difficult. When she addresses you directly, try to be polite and professional. If she engages in the behaviors that make you uncomfortable, try excusing yourself or saying you are busy and have to go.
It’s funny, this reminds me of a situation I was in once, a long time ago when I was very young. Except we weren’t married and I actually worked with both of them. I had to go to work and watch this woman hit on my boyfriend! It was a strange experience. Our employer did absolutely nothing about it and we didn’t have the spoons to deal with it, so we ended up quitting. At this point in my life however, I would absolutely report it!